HardwareBrooklyn, New YorkFounded 2009· One of 1805 Hardware companies tracked by AMPulse
MakerBot provides user-friendly 3D printing solutions including desktop 3D printers and an online platform (Thingiverse) for 3D models.
CEO / Founder
Bre Pettis
Team Size
51-200
Stage
Acquired
Total Funding
$13.75M
Latest Round
Acquired
Key Investors
Jake Lodwick, Adrian Bowyer, The Foundry Group
Technology & Products
Key Products
Desktop 3D printers (e.g., Replicator series, METHOD series), MakerBot CloudPrint software, Thingiverse (online platform for 3D models), and educational solutions.
Technological Advantage
Smart Extruder+ technology enhances print reliability and user experience.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Offers reliable, easy-to-use, and innovative 3D printing technology with a strong educational focus and community support.
How They Differentiate
Prioritizes ease of use and robust educational support, differentiating it from competitors focused primarily on customization or lower costs.
Formlabs, 3D Systems, Shapeways, Ultimaker, Tiertime, XYZprinting
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Maintained strong market presence with sustained innovation in educational and professional segments.
Major Milestones
["Launch of Thingiverse (2008)","Development of Smart Extruder+ (2016)","Acquisition by Stratasys (2013)","Commitment of $500K to enhance 3D printing education"]
Notable Customers
Prodrive, Lockheed Martin, Callum, Mattel, North American Lighting, University of Maryland
MakerBot established itself as a leading brand in desktop polymer extrusion (MEX/FDM) by prioritizing ease of use and reliability over industrial complexity. Its Replicator and METHOD series printers serve educators, hobbyists, and professionals who need consistent results without extensive training.
The company's Smart Extruder+ technology improves print reliability by reducing jams and clogs, a common pain point in entry-level FDM printing. MakerBot CloudPrint software enables remote management and file preparation, while Thingiverse remains one of the largest online repositories of user-uploaded 3D models, reinforcing the company's community-driven approach.
MakerBot targets K-12 and university classrooms, engineering firms, and consumer product designers. Notable users include Lockheed Martin, Mattel, and the University of Maryland. The company has committed $500,000 to enhance 3D printing education, and its acquisition by Stratasys in 2013 provided access to broader materials and distribution channels.
Competition includes Ultimaker, Formlabs, and 3D Systems, which offer higher-resolution or more industrial solutions. MakerBot's differentiation lies in its curated ecosystem of hardware, software, and content tailored for non-expert users. The open question is whether the brand can maintain relevance as Stratasys focuses on industrial additive manufacturing and as low-cost competitors improve quality.